Thiruvananthapuram, May 14 (IANS) For Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, the unfolding political transition in Kerala is far less stressful compared to the political turbulence he encountered just days ago while serving as acting Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Back in the Kerala Lok Bhavan after a politically charged week in Chennai, Arlekar can finally breathe easier as the Congress-led UDF formally staked claim to power with a massive and unquestionable mandate behind Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan.

The contrast could not have been sharper.

During his brief but dramatic stint as acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, Arlekar reportedly faced an awkward constitutional exercise when the TVK leader and present Chief Minister Vijay had to return multiple times before finally demonstrating the required legislative support to form the government.

The uncertainty had turned Lok Bhavan in Chennai into the centre of intense political activity and speculation.

In Kerala, however, the numbers left no room for suspense.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front stormed to power with a commanding tally of 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, making the transition one of the smoothest in recent political memory.

Soon after the Congress Legislative Party meeting formally elects Satheesan as its leader and the UDF allies endorse the decision, a delegation led by Satheesan and state Congress President Sunny Joseph called on the Governor with letters of support from all 102 legislators.

The meeting formally paved the way for inviting Satheesan to form the next government.

By now, preparations are already underway for Monday’s swearing-in ceremony, where Satheesan and his cabinet are expected to take oath at a function attended by top Congress leaders and UDF allies from across the state.

Unlike the uncertainty and repeated consultations that marked Arlekar’s recent experience in Tamil Nadu, Kerala’s transition was largely procedural, with the Governor completing the formalities swiftly.

For Lok Bhavan too, after a week of political suspense and constitutional tightrope walking, Kerala suddenly appears refreshingly uncomplicated.

–IANS

sg/vd